Thirteenth International Conference on The Arts in Society

Abstract

We live in a world rich with imaginative expressions that often transcend established musical styles and classifications. Every computer, smart phone, or tablet come today with many pre-installed music-making tools, or apps that can be downloaded for free or a minimal fee. With ever-expanding computer technology, electronic ways of making music have been completely democratized. Just as anyone can use word processing software, anyone can use pretty much with same ease the eMusic creation software, and improvisation is at the heart of this new musical paradigm that uniquely reflects contemporary life. I have created at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles an online class that gets offered as a 6-week summer course. Students taking this class use simple iPhone audio applications and make music. The class has been offered for three semesters with very interesting and inspiring results. In a nutshell, students love this class and I have trouble with popularity of it and over enrollment. I will show how the class is structured and play a selection of student e-music projects which deal with creativity at a very rudimentary level.